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The Path of a German Folktale

The German folk-tale, Hänsel and Gretel was first created by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm. Over the years, their work been passed down and translated in many languages. They are now known simply as "The Brothers Grimm." The selection below is just a small sample of the adaptations of Hänsel and Gretel which have been created over the years. I hope you enjoy discovering or revisiting this classic tale.

It's a tale as timeless as storytelling itself: two children, lost in the woods, stumble upon a candy house that isn't all that it seems. From Hansel's trail of bread crumbs to Gretel's ingenious triumph over the witch, the details of this familiar fairy tale enchant children year after year. Now, in an update on her classic retelling, Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestseller Susan Jeffers brings Hansel and Gretel to life for a new generation.

Notes: "This translation of Hänsel and Gretel was originally included in a collection entitled Fairy Tales of The Brothers Grimm by Mrs. Edgar Lucas, published in 1902 by J.B. Lippincott Company."

Once upon a time, deep in the dark, green forest there was an exquisite house made of cake and sugar-- a house made to lure lost, hungry children. But the witch whose delicious house lured Hansel and his sister, Gretel had forgotten two things about lost children: they can be very clever and very brave.

Lisbeth Zerger, winner of the 1990 Hans Christian Andersen Medal, brings her distinctive talent to the timeless story of two innocent children who lose their way in the dark forest. When the siblings happen upon the gingerbread house of a wicked witch, they unwittingly stumble into one of the most enduring fairy tales of all time. As the witch tries to fatten poor Hansel, and Gretel cunningly outsmarts her, Ms. Zwerger’s illustrations winningly portray the haunting witch, the daring escape, and the welcome return to their loving father. This wonderful reissue of a childhood favorite will be cherished by children and adults everywhere who appreciate beautiful books.

One of the oldest and most treasured folktales in the world, Hansel and Gretel resonates deeply with young readers. It is the most gratifying tale of two brave children, armed with only their cleverness and goodness, who save themselves from their wicked stepmother and an evil witch. Now Jane Ray revives this venerable story with a retelling that preserves the power of the tale. Her rich illustrations, emblazoned with gold, destine it to be a classic to be enjoyed by children for many more years.